At the recent Future of Protein Production conference in Amsterdam, over 1,000 attendees gathered to discuss key issues in the novel protein industry. One hot topic was choosing the right market for regulatory approval, crucial for companies looking to launch innovative food products quickly.
So far, Singapore has been a popular choice due to its favorable regulations. It has attracted many European startups as a way to test their products. Meanwhile, the UK is working on its own regulatory framework for cell-based foods, which could help companies stay closer to home.
During the panel, experts shared insights on market selection. Countries like Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand are seen as efficient entry points but come with challenges. Eleni Ntokou from Unibio emphasized the urgency of getting to market to attract investors. “We need funding for regulatory approval, but also need that approval to get funding,” she said, highlighting a common dilemma for startups.
Choosing Singapore may offer certain advantages. It serves as a testing ground for safety and consumer acceptance. But as Yvonne Dommels from the Protein Brewery pointed out, the small market requires European companies to adapt and understand local consumers, which can be daunting. Dommels’ team eventually pivoted to Singapore for faster approval after delays in Europe.
The delay in securing approvals is a widespread complaint among industry players. Ermolaos Ververis from the European Food Safety Authority noted that the number of novel food applications has surged in recent years, causing backlogs. He mentioned, “When I started, we had three or four people handling applications; now we have over 25.”
Investing in regulatory processes can be financially burdensome. For instance, a single request for additional data can cost about €100,000 (around $115,000), dragging timelines further. Ververis explained that while EFSA provides guidance, they can’t dictate requirements, making it challenging for companies to plan effectively from the outset.
A representative from Cargill noted that while the process might be arduous, EU approval often facilitates entry into other markets, including China. “Chinese regulators prefer to see a product already approved elsewhere,” said David Benjamin Selesko from Arla Foods. This makes EU approval valuable for companies looking to expand globally.
The path to approval differs significantly between markets. An effective strategy is to prepare for multiple jurisdictions simultaneously. Companies like Cargill and Vow advocate for “testing comprehensively, but submitting strategically.” This means gathering relevant data while also being mindful of expenses and regulatory demands.
Interestingly, some companies are opting to focus on the pet food sector instead of human food. BeneMeat, the first cell-cultivated company approved in Europe for pet food, uses cell lines from various species, including hamsters, in their dog treats. Similarly, Meatly is finding success with chicken cell ingredients for pet food while charting a potential path toward human food once regulations become clearer.
Looking ahead, as the UK refines its regulatory sandbox, it could emerge as a key testing area for innovators, similar to Singapore.
In short, navigating the regulatory landscape in the novel protein sector requires careful planning, adaptability, and strategic insight. With markets evolving and regulations changing, companies must stay agile to thrive in this exciting and rapidly developing industry.
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